REFERENCES: How important are they in the hiring process?
“Having the “right” people willing to vouch for you prior to an interview, can make or break in your opportunity to land the job/position that you’re looking for”
Unscripted
By Keith Edmonds
Ink Spot Contributing Writer
In today’s job market you need as many things working in your favor as you can possibly have that will allow you the very best opportunity to secure that coveted position that you are seeking. One of the main components that you’ll need is a reference letter or list of references that will speak highly of you in the event that they are contacted (as they inevitably will) to give you that added boost towards being hired. These key people that you’ve sought out to help can also be people that can hurt your chances of being hired if not given proper time, or information that you may be using their name or influence in a professional manner. In today’s UNSCRIPTED I’ll take a look at why it’s vitally important to have a quality reference list to help you get HIRED!
So why are references so important to the hiring process?
Did you know that…
• 69% of employers change their minds about a candidate after speaking with a reference.
• 80% of hiring managers contact references when evaluating candidates.
• 21% of candidates are dropped from the hiring process following reference checks.
What this tells me is that though you may have the skill-set, passion and all of the intangibles needed to perform the position that you’re applying for, if you don’t have quality individuals speaking on your behalf you may not even get a foot in the door! Hiring managers are leaning and relying heavily on those individuals you’ve trusted in/on to push you over the top when it comes time to decide whether it’s yay or nay on hiring you.
Here are some things to keep in mind when looking and deciding on references:
1) Be Professional. ASK the person that you’d like to use as a reference BEFORE you list them as a reference. There is nothing worse than using a person’s name as a reference only to have them have say something derogatory about you, or worse have NO IDEA that you were using them in your hiring process.
2) Keep in touch. When asking someone to serve as a reference, a phone call works so much better than an email. Either the person’s going to be really excited that you’ve selected them (and you’re going to know that they’d be good), or you’re going to hear some kind of reservation in their voice that will allow you to move forward with another selection for your reference list.
3) Be appreciative. Someone has taken the time to endorse you for a position that means a lot to you. The LEAST that you can do is send a letter or make a phone call saying thank you. This shows that you really appreciate their input and also paves the way if you may need their influence for future employment opportunities.
4) Build a List. Its good to have up to 6 people that you can use as a reference depending on the job(s) that you’re looking for. Keep in mind that as you apply for positions it’s good to have references that know you personally, socially and professionally, and have been around you in different venues that show your strengths, character, and sound qualities that employers are looking for. Diversify your reference list. Ex: Former managers, teachers, coaches, co-workers (in some cases) and pastors would all be good choices. Again, make sure that you ASK before listing them on your reference list.
Never underestimate the relationships that you’ve established or developed throughout your life or career, these are people that you just may need to go to bat for you as a quality reference. And one final point, as you move throughout positions in your career, as best as possible, try to leave on good terms and not burn bridges with previous employers as this could come back to haunt you for future job opportunities.